Sr. Environmental Chemist/Microbiologist - Water/Wastewater

Sr. Environmental Chemist/Microbiologist - Water/Wastewater

Posting Details

Position Information

Functional Title Sr. Environmental Chemist/Microbiologist - Water/Wastewater

Recruitment Category Type Standard

Functional Category Production

Grade GS.15

FLSA Status Exempt

Requisition Number 24-0183

Number of Vacancies 1

Job Level Non-Management

Job Code N/A

Job Description Summary

Organization Name Laboratory

Reports to Section Manager, Laboratory Operations

Full or Part Time Full Time

If Part Time how many hours per week

Regular or Temporary Regular

Position End Date (if temporary)

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Some weekends and holidays

Position Location Silver Spring

Position Summary Information

General Summary

The Sr. Environmental Chemist/Microbiologist uses technologically advanced lab instrumentation and procedures to analyze chemical and microbiological contaminants in various environmental samples. This position also oversees the work of technical staff in specific areas, provides technical support to lab administrators and cross laboratory staff.

Essential Functions

Serves as a subject matter expert for other employees in the laboratory

Provides cross training and guidance on advanced technologies, instrumentation, and procedures to laboratory personnel to ensure continuous quality data

Monitors, reviews, evaluates, and validates data to detect or assess problems and to determine compliance with acceptable standards

Uses advanced instrumentation and technologies such as gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, spectrophotometers, auto-analyzers, microscopes, ion-chromatographs, or other advanced technical equipment to analyze samples for chemical, physical, metals, and microbiological constituent

Performs a variety of complex analyses, reviews data produced, insures all quality control requirements are met, and uploads data to Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Monitors, reviews, evaluates, and validates data produced by analysts to detect or assess problems and to determine compliance with acceptable standards

Provides cross-training and guidance on basic to advanced technologies, instrumentation, and procedures to laboratory personnel to ensure continual quality data

Assists the Laboratory in complying with Federal and State regulations under the Safe Drinking Water and Clean Water Acts that may affect the Commission's water and wastewater treatment facilities

Prepares and maintains monthly reports to certify data satisfies EPA and the Maryland Department of the Environment requirements for environmental test procedures

Researches new technological advancements for laboratory use. Based on the results of the research, determines appropriate instruments, methods, procedures, and quality control guidelines to use in the analysis of samples

Troubleshoots issues and performs routine preventative maintenance on analytical instruments

Conducts, organizes, and manages special projects, including documenting progress, monitoring workflows and milestones, data validations, and final reports

Successfully analyzes quarterly and annual proficiency testing samples for assigned analyses

Updates all required laboratory QA/QC and safety records at pre-scheduled intervals

Maintains and updates all laboratory peer-review forms and documentation

Prepares and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Oversees work performed by Chemist/Microbiologists and Laboratory Analysts

Assists Chemists/Microbiologists, Laboratory Analysts I and II when workloads demand

Oversees sample workload and throughput to ensure holding times and turn-around times are met

Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business

Other Functions

Participates in interviewing and selection of laboratory staff

Investigates customer concerns and questions; prepares responses as required

Prepares data packages for clients when required

Conducts visitor tours of laboratory facilities and capabilities

Provides technical advice/assistance to the Laboratory Operations Section Manager and Laboratory Division Manager as necessary

Fills in for Laboratory Operations Section Manager/Laboratory Division Manager as needed

Participates in Stand-by and Call Back Program

Performs related duties as assigned

Work Environment And Physical Demands

Position requires long periods of standing and walking

Requires periods of repetitive movements

Requires the safe handling of hazardous material

Manual dexterity and precision are also required in the use of laboratory equipment and tools

May be required to move heavy objects up to 100 lbs

Must wear protective clothing, gloves, mask, and work under a hood

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Thorough knowledge of theories and practices in the fields of chemistry, microbiology, or biology that are applied in analytical procedures in an environmental laboratory

Thorough knowledge of and ability to operate advanced laboratory instrumentation

Skill in the operation of basic to advanced analytical instruments including performing routine maintenance and minor repairs

Skill in the use of various laboratory instrument software and LIMS

Knowledge of environmental standard operating procedures, quality assurance manuals, quality control protocols, good laboratory practices (GLP), EPA approved methods, federal and state regulations, and all other applicable regulations and guidelines

Knowledge of material data sheets, laboratory safety procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE)

Knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and techniques of sample collection and preparation per State and Federal guidelines

Knowledge of drinking water and/or wastewater treatment processes

Knowledge of EPA (Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act) and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) applicable regulations and guidelines

Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, and approaches to problems

Skill in conducting tests and inspections of processes to evaluate quality of performance and accuracy of results

Ability to prepare comprehensive analytical reports and interpret test results

Ability to expand knowledge base to gain efficiency in new procedures

Ability to accurately perform chemical, bacteriological, or biological tests with acceptable required quality control

Ability to effectively prioritize work and manage time to meet tight deadlines and constant rush orders

Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing

Ability to interact with internal and external customers effectively and professionally

Ability to guide and oversee the work of junior staff

Minimum Education, Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree

6+ years of laboratory experience that includes:

4+ years conducting complex analyses of chemical and/or microbiological contaminants in various environmental samples using technologically advanced laboratory instrumentation

3+ years overseeing the work of subordinate laboratory analysts

Additional Requirements

Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver's license with no more than 4 points and the ability to obtain a WSSC Water driver's permit within 90 days of hire or transfer date

Possession of a valid Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Sampler's License (must be obtained within six months of employment and be retained for duration in position)

Obtain MDE approval for two drinking water methods (inorganic, organic, or microbiology) within 6 months of employment

Must maintain valid driver's license, Water Sampler Certification, and MDE method approval for duration of time in position

Able to work nights, weekends, and holidays

Employees in this position are designated or considered emergency personnel; therefore, the employee must report to work as scheduled or as directed by their supervisor when WSSC Water declares an event that requires emergency personnel to report to work

Preferences

Additional experience is helpful.

Salary $96,038 - $163,523

Posting Detail Information

EEO Statement

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of the Commission to select new employees and to promote current employees without regard to race, sexual orientation, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, or handicap. The Commission does not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability and will make reasonable accommodation for any disability that does not result in undue hardship for the Commission.

Close Date 08/20/2025

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicants